Increased fuel mileage with solid bed cover
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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Increased fuel mileage with solid bed cover
I bought a bed cover, have been trying to buy one for a while and finally had the time to look into it. I have seen arguments pro and con on the issue of better mpg with a solid bed cover, so I did my own brief test. I have found an increase of 1.5 mpg over 2 trips averaging 4 fillups per trip.
The manufacturer included a flyer touting the fact that the cover will pay for itself in better fuel mileage over time. While I didn't take that seriously initially, I am starting to consider it a possibility. If my results continue, it would pay for itself in a year basically.
The bottom line is I needed the bed cover, so I have met that goal, if I get better fuel mileage, even better.
Anyone else have any experience with this issue?
The manufacturer included a flyer touting the fact that the cover will pay for itself in better fuel mileage over time. While I didn't take that seriously initially, I am starting to consider it a possibility. If my results continue, it would pay for itself in a year basically.
The bottom line is I needed the bed cover, so I have met that goal, if I get better fuel mileage, even better.
Anyone else have any experience with this issue?
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
Diesel power did a report on an 04 and got the biggest gain by going to a bed cover. I know some folks that also claim an improvement in their milage.
They are now saying to go to a lighter cover to lessen the weight added! Just keep checking the milage and let all know if it holds up.
They are now saying to go to a lighter cover to lessen the weight added! Just keep checking the milage and let all know if it holds up.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 2
From: Northern Utah
1) Tailgate up
2) Tailgate down
3) Bed cover
4) Mesh net (no tailgate)
Their results indicated the best mileage was the stock tailgate removed and with a mesh net tailgate. I'm of the opinion a diesel powered vehicle would probably have different results. I have found with my tailgate down my highway mpg increases about .6 mpg although it looks (bad) like I accidentally left the tailgate down.
I think Myth busters should have included a mpg test without a windshield
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Thanks for the replies. I am trying to eliminate my driving as a factor, some of these 2 trips were more heavily weighted through lower speed limit areas, going 70ish rather than 80ish. I will update as I get more data.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Kansas City/Breckenridge
I've been hesitant on getting one. The only problem is I have a transfer tank. They have the ones that fold into sections but they fold from the tailgate back. Maybe I could put it on backwards?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
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From: Corvallis, OR
I don't like the looks of them, so that solves it for me. As to the debate whether they help or not, it depends on a lot of factors including length of cab and length of box. Trucks with shorter cabs and longer boxes tend to benefit whereas longer cabs which shorter boxes don't because the pocket of air behind the cab fills the entire bed area.
I have backup sensors, so if I try leaving my tailgate down it annoys the s*** out of me
I have backup sensors, so if I try leaving my tailgate down it annoys the s*** out of me
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,078
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From: Rural WV
I have a tool box in the bed of mine...so that kinda shoots the idea in the buttocks.
I've gotten (recently) a PM from one of the sponsors claiming their cover will pay for itself in fuel savings too.
Joe
I've gotten (recently) a PM from one of the sponsors claiming their cover will pay for itself in fuel savings too.
Joe
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Kansas City/Breckenridge
I just found this though =D
http://www.truxedo.com/pdf/box-detail-sheet-txlp.pdf
you can custom make one through truxedo which I think are the best looking ones they are extremely low profile
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Trappe Pa
I have a 2004 6.0L Crew Cab Short Box
I installed a Diamondback cover 2 months after purchasing the truck. The cover is still on the truck as we speak.
I have noticed no fuel mileage increase.
For most of 2006 I did not have the cover on the truck due to broken hinges. The cover was placed on the truck once the hinges were replaced by Diamondback in October 2006.
No mileage change noticed with or without the cover.
I installed a Diamondback cover 2 months after purchasing the truck. The cover is still on the truck as we speak.
I have noticed no fuel mileage increase.
For most of 2006 I did not have the cover on the truck due to broken hinges. The cover was placed on the truck once the hinges were replaced by Diamondback in October 2006.
No mileage change noticed with or without the cover.
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Still getting 1.5 mpg better fuel mileage. I will keep posting updates to this, I figure if this keeps up, the cover will pay for itself in 2 years. To me, considerable savings, and it is nice having the cover on. When I have to load something, I just fold it back, no problem.